Good relationship with Kubica helps the team - Heidfeld

The BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers are first and foremost team-mates, but also rivals in the fight for World Championship points. According to Nick Heidfeld, both BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers are benefiting from this relationship.

Nick and Robert have been the regular drivers for the BMW Sauber F1 Team since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix. The Pole replaced Jacques Villeneuve for that race, and celebrated an excellent Formula One debut, despite subsequent disqualification. Nick enjoys having Robert as his team-mate: "We get on very well, both on the track and away from it at PR appointments", says Heidfeld. "We have fun together. Robert is chilled out."

Both drivers have performed superbly in the first three Grands Prix of the 2008 season: two podium finishes and a pole position for Robert, and second place for Nick in Melbourne and the current drivers' standings - despite being team-mates they are both fighting hard on the track, and are not giving up anything without a fight.

Nick welcomes this development and praises the good cooperation in the team: "It is normal for us to be at the limit", says Nick. "That is what takes you to the front on the track. When I look at the data, I can see if he has been a touch quicker in a turn, and can then work on that turn. This good relationship also helps the team."